Premier League referee Anthony Taylor has revealed that his family no longer attends major football matches due to the abuse and harassment he has endured from fans. The 46-year-old official spoke candidly about the emotional toll that public criticism and hostility have taken on him and his loved ones.
Taylor described one of the most distressing incidents in his career, which occurred after the 2023 Europa League final in Budapest. He officiated the heated clash between Roma and Sevilla, a match that saw 13 yellow cards and ended in a penalty shootout. Following the game, Taylor was subjected to a torrent of abuse from Roma fans, who were angered by the result and the number of bookings.
The situation escalated when then-Roma manager Jose Mourinho publicly criticised Taylor’s performance and confronted him angrily in a car park, calling his officiating a disgrace. The following day, Taylor and his family were harassed at an airport by angry supporters, with objects thrown in their direction before security intervened.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Taylor admitted that it changed the way his family interacts with his profession. “That’s definitely the worst situation I’ve faced in terms of abuse,” he said. “It made me realise how other people’s behaviour can deeply affect not just referees but also their families. It made me question whether it was wise to travel with them at all.”
Taylor acknowledged that the introduction of VAR has added even more pressure on referees, with every decision scrutinised by millions of fans, pundits, and analysts. He noted that the demand for perfection is unrealistic, as mistakes are inevitable in such a fast-paced sport. “Perfection doesn’t exist,” he said. “But referees are expected to get every decision right, which is simply impossible.”
Despite the emotional strain and occasional doubts about continuing in the profession, Taylor expressed his enduring passion for refereeing. “There have been times when I’ve asked myself if it’s worth it, especially when the criticism feels completely unfair,” he admitted. “But at the end of the day, being at the heart of the action in the most exciting league in the world is something I still love.”
Taylor’s experience highlights the growing issue of abuse toward referees and the need for greater respect and protection for match officials at all levels of the game.
